Learning Modules

To be successful in international trade, businesses must pay attention to all aspects of culture, both organizational and global. On Top of the World (Impact of Culture on Global Trade) will help you teach your students about the cultural differences and social issues that affect business, as well as practical ways that businesses can address these differences to keep things flowing smoothly.  LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

What are the types of businesses, and how do they fulfill their duty to contribute to the well-being of society? This LAP explains how businesses are responsible to their product users, their communities, their employees, and themselves. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about business and society, a...

Just as the human body needs to accomplish certain activities to live and maintain health, companies need to engage in primary business activities to survive – and thrive. In this LAP, students will discover the core business activities of financial analysis, human resources management, information management, marketing, operations, and strategic management. Students will also learn about the interdependence of these activities as well as how they shift and adapt during changing circumstances....

Individuals aren’t the only ones who are responsible for paying taxes—businesses pay them, too! Teach your students why businesses pay taxes, what types of taxes they pay, and where their tax dollars go. This LAP also covers different tax structures, business deductions, and the role of the IRS. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information...

The effects of unemployment are felt by individuals, families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Teach your students about the types, causes, and costs of unemployment. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the impact of unemployment rates, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn,...

Inflation doesn’t just affect businesses–it affects consumers, too. In this LAP, students will discover the impact of inflation both on the economy and in their own lives. They will explore the pros and cons of inflation levels, and learn how governments attempt to control inflation rates. In the activities, students will delve into inflation rates over time, learning how inflation has impacted the prices of common products and services throughout the years. LAPs (Learning Activity...

Nearly every day, huge amounts of currency are traded all over the world. The foreign exchange market depends on exchange rates to operate. In this LAP, students will learn more about these rates—what they are, what they mean, who uses them, and how they’re determined. In the activities, students will explore factors affecting current exchange rates using the Internet. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Well-planned organizational design is crucial to the success of any business. In Designed to Work (Organizational Design of Businesses), students will learn the importance of structure within an organization and discover the many types of organizational design used by successful companies today. In the Gray Zone, students will evaluate a situation in which a manager potentially abuses their authority within an organization’s hierarchy. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive...

The world is getting “smaller” all the time. Teach your students how globalization affects businesses and ways that businesses can venture into foreign markets. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about the global business environment, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn, ideas (Make it...

Do your students understand that businesses are impacted by factors beyond the businesses’ control? Teach your students about external factors in the business environment and what smart businesses do to respond to environmental changes appropriately. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about factors...

What to do in business situations is not always black or white, right or wrong. Help students understand the critical need for business ethics when the right course of action is not clear. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about business ethics, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn,...

Change is inevitable! Teach your students more about the current business environment and the strategies that smart organizations use to survive and thrive in the midst of rapid change. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about adapting to markets, a (So What?) discussion of why it's important to learn,...

Writing down everything that you want isn’t easy. That’s because we all have unlimited, competing wants, but our resources are limited. As a result, we must learn to make wise economic choices. Economics is all about decision-making—determining how to get the most satisfaction with the fewest resources. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

What’s the difference between economic and noneconomic wants? What are goods and services? How can goods and services be classified? This LAP answers these questions and explains even more about economic goods and services. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about economic goods and services, a (So...

Economic resources (factors of production) enable businesses to produce the goods and services that consumers want. Regardless of a business’s product or size, a significant consideration affecting the business’s success is its ability to choose and use the best combination of natural resources, human resources, and capital goods. Use this LAP to help your students learn about the different types of resources and their limitations, how to respond to limited resources, and why economic...

Why do we pay what we do for the things we buy? Help your students understand the importance of price, the functions of relative prices (information, incentives, and rationing), and the impact of supply and demand on the prices we pay for products and services. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about...

Each of the four basic economic systems—traditional, communist, socialist, and market—has its own problems and its own way of answering three important economic questions. Help students understand the challenges that economic systems face, the decisions that they must make, and ways in which these decisions impact everyday life. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

Owning your own business is risky, but if you do it right, you’ll receive something for your efforts: profit. The financial gains realized from profit provide business owners with a real incentive to build successful businesses. Use Risk Rewarded to teach your students about types of profit, the benefits received from profit, the external and internal factors that affect profit, as well as ways to gain more profit. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that...

Competition isn’t a bad thing—it turns the wheels of our private enterprise economy! This LAP explains the types of competition, the four main types of market structures, and how competition benefits businesses, customers, and society. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about competition, a (So What?)...

Teach your students about the advantages and disadvantages of specialization and division of labor, the impact of specialization on businesses and employees, and the relationship between job scope and depth. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about specialization and division of labor, a (So What?)...

Before the Industrial Revolution, many workers labored for low wages in poor working conditions. Organized labor began when workers joined together to demand better treatment. Teach your students what labor unions are, how they negotiate with employers, and what effects they have on employees and businesses. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Do your students know where their stuff comes from? Chances are their favorite products have traveled a great distance to get to them. In this LAP, students will discover the impact of globalization—both on their everyday lives and on the buying and selling of goods across the world. They will learn why countries engage in global trade, the economic benefits of global trade, and the many barriers to trade. In The Gray Zone, students will examine the ethicality of sweatshop labor, an important...

What is gross domestic product and how can it be used to measure the health of economies across the world? Use LAP-EC-917 to teach your students all about gross domestic product, how to calculate and use it, and its advantages and flaws for governments and businesses. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information...

Explore the unpredictable business cycle and its expansions, contractions, peaks, and troughs with your students. Examine the difference between a recession and a depression, and help your students learn about the up-and-down business cycle, its phases, and internal and external factors that cause booms and busts. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage emotions in ourselves and others. EQ and You (Emotional Intelligence) includes a detailed explanation of the components of emotional intelligence. It also explains the importance of emotional intelligence in the business world and the benefits that it brings to the workplace. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a...

When it comes to personal and professional success, attitude is everything. In this LAP, students will discover the many benefits of fostering and maintaining an optimistic attitude. They will be introduced to effective methods for improving their attitude, from “thought stopping” to gratitude journaling. In an accompanying activity, students will evaluate and analyze their own attitudes using personality questionnaires. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements...

The right work behavior can help employees become more successful in the workplace. This LAP explains the characteristics of ethical work habits, why they’re so important, and how everyone can develop their own ethical work habits. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about demonstrating ethical work...

Leading change is an important life and professional skill. Teach your students what it means to lead change with Start the Revolution. This LAP covers how anyone can lead change by taking action, the qualities of effective leaders, the importance of communication, and how to handle resistance. Videos of teen leaders in action offer inspiration. Activities include opportunities to identify effective leadership skills and examine situations that require change leadership. LAPs (Learning...

Your students regularly experience change, but how well do they deal with it? Go With the Flow explains how being adaptable can help students deal with new situations in positive ways that help them learn, grow, and achieve. They’ll also learn the negative consequences of resisting change. This LAP includes activities and videos explaining how a flexible attitude can help students achieve success in many areas of life. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages...

Finding the happy medium between aggressiveness and passiveness is the key to “win-win” situations in the workplace! This LAP explains why assertiveness is so important and explains the steps anyone can take to become more assertive. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about assertiveness, a (So What?)...

Everyone has his/her own unique personality, but some personality traits are more desirable than others. You've Got Personality will teach your students how to develop the personality traits they need to succeed in business. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about personality traits in business, a (So What?) discussion of why it's...

Developing self-control requires a lot of self-discipline, patience, and practice, but it can be done! This LAP explains why keeping one’s cool is so important and also shows how to develop and exhibit self-control. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about demonstrating self-control, a (So What?)...

What do honesty, respect, fairness, accountability, and courage have in common? They are the essential elements of responsible behavior! Use Make the Honor Role to teach your students about these must-have personality traits, the importance of acting responsibly, and how to be responsible at home, at school, and on the job. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student...

Achievement-oriented people produce high-quality work, demonstrate leadership, and take responsibility. If these are skills you’d like your students to learn about, check out High Hopes. This LAP shows students why an achievement orientation is so important—and what they can do to develop their own. This LAP is packed with videos and activities that engage and inspire students to aim higher, accomplish more, and achieve personal goals. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive...

Stress is something we all deal with from time to time, but too much stress can lead to burnout. With this LAP, your students will learn what stress is, how it can be harmful, and how employees and employers can manage it. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about stress management, a (So What?)...

Do your students understand the importance of developing empathy? Learning how to listen, speak tactfully, and consider others’ feelings can help your students become aware of how their actions impact the people they come into contact with every day. The ability to understand others’ feelings and life experiences can help your students succeed in their personal lives and in their future careers. The LAP Have a Heart provides a variety of videos and activities that engage students in...

Cultural sensitivity is an essential personal skill for improving relationships and creating a more accurate worldview. Being culturally sensitive is also important to succeed academically, professionally, and to compete in today’s global marketplace. With Getting To Know You (Cultural Sensitivity), your students will learn what cultural sensitivity is, why it’s important, and what they can do to become more culturally sensitive. LAPs are comprehensive instructional packages that include all...

Treating others with respect and dignity is an important skill to have, at school or in the workplace. This LAP explains the ways people are different and how to treat them respectfully, no matter what. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about treating others with dignity and respect, a (So What?)...

Plain and simple, people need other people. This LAP explains interdependence, how to nurture personal and professional relationships, and the ways in which different management styles affect the work environment. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT! permission) that includes information about fostering positive working relationships, a (So...

Coaching is a life skill used to help others achieve more in life, not just on the court or on the field. Share Bring Out the Best with your students so they can learn the traits and skills needed to effectively coach others, as well as the coaching process itself. Videos of coaches in action from students to professionals show that anyone has the potential to coach others. Activities include reflecting on effective coaches, creating a coaching plan, and more. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages)...

Many skills—such as commitment, communication, sharing, controlling conflict, and encouragement—are necessary to become an effective team player. Use this LAP to teach your students about different types of teams, why teams are important, how teams are beneficial, and the ways that teamwork leads to success. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Successful organizations have clear visions for their futures. But what makes a shared vision successful? This LAP explains the difference between organizational visions and team visions, shows what an effective vision looks like, and describes what team leaders can do to “sell” people on their company’s vision. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with...

Your students negotiate every day, whether they realize it or not. But not all negotiations are as simple as deciding what to have for dinner—what about important workplace negotiations, like advocating for a raise or bargaining with a coworker? With this LAP, you can give your students a leg up. They’ll learn how to negotiate with anyone—supervisors, coworkers, or customers. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...

Our world has been shaped by influential people with visions—mental pictures of a better and brighter future. Consider Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech or Walt Disney’s vision of creating the happiest place on Earth. Both individuals had a vision for the future, and both spent their lives working toward creating that future. In this LAP, students will learn the benefits of having a vision, the components of a good vision, and how to create their own personal visions so that...

Organizational culture is an essential component of every workplace. In this LAP, students will discover the core components of organizational culture and how they shape employees’ lives at work. They will learn the benefits of maintaining a positive culture, as well as the factors that influence a company’s culture. Students will also investigate organizational culture in the real world by researching successful companies. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional...

Responsibility is fundamental to success at school, at work, and in life. Teach your students about the benefits of being responsible, the consequences of being irresponsible, the traits responsible people possess, and the steps they can take to develop responsibility for their decisions and actions. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a performance-oriented lesson plan. This LAP includes a student handout (with CopyIT!...

In today’s fast-paced society, nearly everyone has experienced the stress of being overcommitted. Learning how to manage commitments in a timely manner is an essential skill for everyone to develop. Commit to It! (Managing Commitments in a Timely Manner) helps students understand the concepts of committing and overcommitting, as well as reasons to manage commitments in a timely manner. LAPs (Learning Activity Packages) are comprehensive instructional packages that include all elements of a...